20 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



the same animal. It is a physical impossibility to have maxi- 

 mum speed and maximum draft in the same engine, and such 

 is none the less the case among horses. 



The light type. — In conformation, horses belonging to the 

 light type vary considerably, depending on the purpose for which 

 they are adopted. For example, the saddle horse differs in 

 many respects from the running horse, and the trotter or pacer 

 has many characteristics unlike either. However, since horses 

 belonging to the light type are each intended for light and rather 

 fast work, they possess many points in common. 



In general conformation, the light type of horse is rather tall, 

 upstanding, the linibs long, the distance from the chest to the 

 ground is more than one-half the height of the horse from the 

 withers to the ground. The distance from the withers to the 

 knee and from the hips to the hock is great. The animals are 

 somewhat narrow but rather deep in front. In general form 

 the light type resembles the greyhound. 



Heavy type. — In general conformation, the heavy type of 

 horse is massive, blocky, low set, the limbs short, the distance 

 from the chest to the ground one-half the height of the animal 

 from the withers to the ground. In general form, this type 

 resembles the bull-dog. Weight is important. In order to 

 pull heavy loads the draft horse must possess plenty of weight. 

 A draft horse in fair condition at maturity weighs from 1500 to 

 2400 pounds, according to the class. 



CHOOSING A IJGHT HORSE 



Having considered the method of procedure and the type, we 

 will now discuss the desirable and undesirable characters of each 

 type. For convenience these are divided into two classes : 

 first, the general appearance, those characters having to do with 

 the horse as a whole, such as form, quality, and action ; and 

 second, the detail characters, having to do with each point in- 



